Improvement in watch-keys



O. P. KINGMAN, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.'

Letters .Patent No. 68,208, dated August 27, 1867.

IMPROVEMENT IN WATCH-KEYS.

@In Stlgchule rrfcrrtt tu in tbrsc cttcts atnt ant mating parte( the same.

'ro ALL WHoM IT MAY eoNeERN:

Be it known that I, O. P. KINGMAN, of Bridgeport, in the county of Fairfield, and Stute of Connecticut, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Watch-Keys, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had tothe accompanying drawing, which makes part of this specification, and in whichi Figure l represents a view, in elevation, of 1ny improved key; and

Figure 2 a similar view of the same, (partly in section,) teken at right angles to iig. 1.

It is the object of my invention to protect the barrel of the key from becoming obstructed, to clear it readily when obstructed, and to give the key an'ornamental appearance. and to these ends the improvement herein claimed consistsin swivellinga watch-key so as to turn freely (axially) in a collar turning on trunnions in Aa halfilink, so that the key I nay be turned at right angles to the link on its trunnions, and then placed upon the arbor .and turned to wind up the watch without turning the half-link, and then swing back within the link te protect it from obstruction. My invention further consists in cutting an opening near the bottom ofthe' barrel of the key, to remove lint or other obstructions.

iIn order to carry out my invention, (as shown inthe accompanying drawings,) an ordinary watch-key, A, is titted'with a collar, a, in which it turns freely axially. This collar is suspended en pivots or trunnions in a half-link, B, in such manner that the key may swing freely in a plane parallel with the sides of the half-link or loop B. This loop may also be suspended in an ordinary swivel, C. To wind up a. watch the key is turned at a right angle to the loopl and placed upon the arbor, when it turns freely in its collar without turning the loop B. When released the key hangs with its barrel within the loop, as shown in the drawings,where it is protected from dust. In order, however, toremove anyobstructions which may enter the barrel, I cut a notch, z', in the side of the barrel, so as to insert a pin or needle, and draw or push out the obstruction. It is obvious that my improved key maybe attached to the watch or suspended from the chain, and be concealed in the garment of the wearer when not in use. v

What claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A watch-key rotating axially in a collar oscillating on trunnions, substantially in the manner described for the purposes set forth.

2. The combination of the initially-rotating key, the swinging collar, the half-link or loop, and the swivel .tecting the key when not in use.

C, for the purpose of 'winding up the watch with a key attached to the watch itself by a, short link, and of pro- 3. The notch z'in the barrel for the removal of obstructions, as set forth. n testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

o. P. KINGMAN.

Witnesses:

JAMES A. Heuss, L. H. Nonrnnor. 

